Gerald Lawless

In 2016, an Honorary Doctorate was awarded to Gerald Lawless - Head of Tourism and Hospitality at Dubai Holding, and Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council.

Gerald Lawless started his career with Forte Hotels which culminated in him setting up and growing Forte’s operations in the Middle East.  After a 23-year career with Forte Hotels, he joined Jumeirah in 1997 and helped establish it as one of the premier luxury hotel brands in the world. Taking on the challenge of launching Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, after the successful introduction of Jumeirah Beach Hotel to the public.

Gerald went on to become President and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Jumeirah Group. At the beginning of 2016, having served for 18 years at the helm of the Jumeirah Group he assumed a new leadership position responsible for tourism and hospitality in Dubai Holding, the Group’s parent company. He is also Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council.   

Gerald is a Graduate of Shannon College of Hotel Management in Ireland and holds an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Business Administration in Hospitality Management by the Johnson & Wales University, State of Rhode Island in the USA, and an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by the National University of Ireland, Galway.

He is a member of the Global Future Council on the Future of Mobility of the World Economic Forum; a fellow member of the Institute of Hospitality; and a member of the International Advisory Board of the Ecole Hôtelière de Lausanne.  Gerald also serves as Chancellor of the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management and is an Honorary President of the Jumeirah Group.

Since receiving the honorary graduate from MDX Dubai, Gerald has taken a well-earned retirement, although he continues to reside in Dubai and serves on a number of boards as a non-executive director.